“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” John F. Kennedy
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Ward: “the state of being under guard” Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“Keep moving. Keep moving!” The world tells us. It says, “Go to school.” Then it says, “Either go to school some more or get a job.” Then it says, “Retire if you’ve got the means.” Then at last it says, “Die.” It’s as if the world is standing guard, watching us as a warden watches their wards pass from cell block to cell block. Stay orderly and keep moving. That’s how to live. That’s how to stay out of trouble. But what happens when we don’t conform? Is non-conformity even possible? Have you ever noticed that so called “non-conformists” are generally more conformed to non-conformity than conformists to conformity? For the non-conformist there is one overarching rule. Don’t conform to anything, except non-conformity of course. Can we escape what seems to be an everlasting conveyor belt of life? Many of us try to distract ourselves from it. We make bucket-lists, plan vacations, and set goals and dreams. In fact a little later I’ll ask to write them down. But can they really change anything? There are a few things that are certain in our lives. We all were born. We all will die. And God is present. We can’t escape the progression of life. It’s real and it is required. However, there is a way to escape conformity. There is a way to escape the prison guard we call this world. It’s in changing who we live for. As long as we live for ourselves we will always be conformed to the ways of this world. It’s in living for God that we are given a higher purpose. Ya, we’ll still have to go to school. We’ll still have to work. We’ll still die. However, we’re promised something greater. A new life! An everlasting life! There’s nothing wrong with a bucket-list. But what if we had a greater list? A purpose-list? A list of purposes God created us for? There’s no way to know everything God has put on that list. But I guarantee that if our purpose is for the Lord, we won’t be stuck in a boring nine-to-fiver, planning ways to simply escape the stressful monotony of life two weeks a year. I guarantee that if our purpose is for the Lord, life will have a greater meaning. I guarantee that if our purpose is for the Lord, life will be full of joy. I’m reminded of the hymn by Bill and Gloria Gaither that states, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living, just because He lives.” It’s because He lives that we know the Gospel. It’s because He died that life can be everlasting. And it’s because He rose from the dead that we are offered salvation. It’s the Good News and it’s the only way off the treadmill we call life in this world. Don’t conform, be transformed.
Daily Journaling Questions:
How did I help someone in kindness today?
What did I learn today?
What am I thankful for?
Who did I love today?
What am I dreaming of?
What about today do I want to remember forever?
What are my goals for tomorrow?
Thanks for reading,
Jake
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Daily Self Growth Journal Pt. IV
Non-FictionThis is the fourth part of a project called the "Daily Self Growth Journal." Its purpose is to prompt readers to journal through encouragement, motivation, and inspiration. In it, the first thing I do is provide a motivational, or inspirational qu...
